Texas Bankruptcy Blog : Texas Bankruptcy Lawyer & Attorney : Fears Nachawati law Firm : Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Consumer Bankrutpcy : Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio

The principal theory of consumer bankruptcy in America is that it provides a “fresh start” to debtors. A prime example of this policy is found in the 1918 Supreme Court case of Stellwagen v. Clum in which the Court stated:

“This purpose of the act has been again and again emphasized by the courts as being of public, as well as private, interest, in that it gives to the honest but unfortunate debtor . . . a new opportunity in life and a clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of preexisting debt.”

The idea of giving a poor, but honest debtor a “fresh start” is not a modern concept. The Bible also contains debt forgiveness laws:

“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord's release.” Deuteronomy 15:1-2.

Under modern bankruptcy law a debtor is entitled to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge once every eight years. However, this is not a clean slate. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report up to 10 years, and you may encounter other obstacles after filing bankruptcy (e.g. obtaining credit). Several bankruptcy courts have described the Chapter 7 discharge as giving honest but unfortunate debtor a fresh start, not a head start.

Bankruptcy is a safety net when you are at the end of your rope. The Chapter 7 discharge provides a second chance and a new beginning free of creditor harassment. If you are burdened with debt, consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney and discover how a fresh start under the law can help you.

As a general rule, credit card debt is among the easiest type of debt to discharge during a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. However, in some cases credit card companies will dispute the discharge of credit card debt by filing an adversarial proceeding against the debtor in the bankruptcy court. The creditor may claim that all or a portion of the debt is non-dischargeable. Debts that are declared non-dischargeable may have to be paid during the bankruptcy, or may survive the bankruptcy altogether.

A credit card company may claim that the debtor committed fraud in obtaining or using the credit card. If the creditor can prove that the card was obtained under false pretenses (i.e. that the application was false), the credit card debt may be declared non-dischargeable because of the fraud.

A credit card company may also claim that charges were placed on the credit card when the debtor had no intention to repay the debt. Additionally, a presumption of fraud arises where luxury goods and services are purchased or cash advances are taken shortly before the filing of a bankruptcy case. 

Credit card companies are entitled to notice of a debtor’s bankruptcy case, and these companies monitor bankruptcy cases for signs of fraud. Certain actions send up a red flag including:

·                     Filing bankruptcy on a new card;

·                     Taking a cash advance prior to filing;

·                     Charges for travel or vacation;

·                     A debt transfer from one card to another;

·                     Credit charges while unemployed; and

·                     Charges made after consulting a bankruptcy attorney.

The more time between the credit card activity and the bankruptcy filing, the less likely the charge will cause a discharge dispute. The best advice is: if you are considering bankruptcy, stop using your credit cards. Consult with your bankruptcy attorney regarding the best way to discharge your credit card debt.  Contact Fears | Nachawati for a free consulation by calling toll-free 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mailing info@fnlawfirm.com.